Electronic toy

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides devices, such as electronic toys, configured to recognize placement of one or more physical objects (e.g., puzzle pieces) on a field and to provide feedback to the user (e.g., a child).

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/946,008, filed Dec. 10, 2019, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference and relied on.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure provides devices, such as electronic toys,configured to recognize placement of one or more physical objects (e.g.,puzzle pieces) on a field and to provide feedback to the user (e.g., achild).

BACKGROUND

Young children often accompany their parents to restaurants, on periodsof travel such as car rides and airplane travel, and to familyfunctions. These young children need to be entertained and properlystimulated, but most traditional toys are not suited for easytransportation to these on-the-go settings. Often, coloring andpaper-based activity games are the only options available.

The digital age has brought the rise of the use of tablets to “babysit”young children. Despite the widespread use of the “iPad Babysitter,”research has suggested that prolonged passive media exposure at a youngage is detrimental to early-stage development.

While apps claim to be educational and beneficial for child development,interactions through a tablet do not provide the same level of motorskill development as the manipulation of physical toys. The rise inscreen time has also created children that do not want to put down thetablet or engage in other forms of stimulation, which creates additionalproblems for parents.

There remains a need for educational toys that provide feedback to youngusers.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides devices, such as electronic toys,configured to recognize placement of one or more physical objects (e.g.,puzzle pieces) on a field and to provide feedback to the user (e.g., achild).

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an electronic toycomprising: a placement zone (100) configured to receive at least afirst object (600 a) and a second object (600 b); a first indicator (200a) configured to indicate a first identity associated with the firstobject; a second indicator (200 b) configured to indicate a secondidentity associated with the second object; and a feedback indicator(300) configured to indicate a result from associating the first objectand the second object with the placement zone.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides an electronic toycomprising: a first placement zone (100 a) configured to receive atleast a first object (600 a), the first placement zone (100 a)comprising: a first object detector (110 a) configured to detect thepresence of the first object (600 a), and a first code reader (120 a)configured to detect a unique identifier associated with the firstobject (600 a); a second placement zone (100 b) configured to receive atleast a second object (600 b), the second placement zone (100 b)comprising: a second object detector (110 b) configured to detect thepresence of the second object (600 b), and a second code reader (120 b)configured to detect a unique identifier associated with the secondobject (600 b); a controller (130) operatively connected to the firstobject detector, the first code reader, the second object detector, andthe second code reader, and configured to: identify the first object(100 a) based at least on the unique identifier associated with thefirst object, and identify the second object (100 b) based at least onthe unique identifier associated with the second object; a firstindicator (200 a) in operative communication with the controller andconfigured to indicate a first identity associated with the firstobject; a second indicator (200 b) in operative communication with thecontroller and configured to indicate a second identity associated withthe second object; and a feedback indicator (300) in operativecommunication with the controller and configured to indicate a resultbased at least on the identity of the first object and the identity ofthe second object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic toy consistent with oneembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the electronic toy of FIG. 1 while inuse.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the electronic toy of FIG. 1 while inuse.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a placement subzone of anelectronic toy consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

While specific embodiments are illustrated in the figures, with theunderstanding that the disclosure is intended to be illustrative, theseembodiments are not intended to limit the invention described andillustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, the present disclosure provides devices, such as electronictoys, configured to recognize placement of one or more physical objects(e.g., puzzle pieces) on a field and to provide feedback to the user(e.g., a child).

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-4, an electronic toy 10 consistent withthe present disclosure generally comprises a placement zone 100, a firstindicator 200 a, a second indicator 200 b, and a feedback indicator 300.

The placement zone 100 includes a plurality of placement subzones 100a,100 b, etc. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, for example, theplacement zone 100 is a rectangular surface, and each placement subzone100 a,100 b represents a portion of the rectangular surface. In someembodiments, the placement zone 100 includes at least 2 placementsubzones, for example 2 placement subzones, 3 placement subzones, 4placement subzones, 5 placement subzones, 6 placement subzones, 7placement subzones, 8 placement subzones, 9 placement subzones, 10placement subzones, or more than 10 placement subzones.

In some embodiments, an object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is associatedwith each placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. and is in operablecommunication with the first indicator 200 a. Each object detector 110a,110 b, etc. is configured to detect the presence of an object 600a,600 b, etc. placed in the associated placement subzone 100 a,100 b,etc. In some embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. isconfigured to detect the presence of an object 600 a,600 b, etc. placedin the associated placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc., but is notconfigured to identify which of a plurality of objects 600 a,600 b, etc.is placed in each placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc.

In some embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is aphotodiode configured to detect the presence of an object 600 a,600 b,etc. placed in the associated placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. basedat least in part on a decrease in current in an associated circuit whenthe object 600 a,600 b, etc. reduces the amount of light (e.g., ambientlight) reaching the optical lens of the photodiode. In such embodiments,the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. are preferably opaque, substantiallyopaque, or prevent transmission of light through the object 600 a,600 b,etc. sufficient to reduce the amount of light reaching the photodiode todecrease the current below a predetermined threshold associated with thepresence of an object 600 a,600 b, etc. in the associated placementsubzone 100 a,100 b, etc.

In other embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is aninfrared avoidance sensor comprising an infrared transceiver andconfigured to detect the presence of an object placed in the associatedplacement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. based at least in part on theobject's proximity to the infrared transceiver (e.g., as a function ofat least the level of reflected infrared light observed by the infraredtransceiver). In such embodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. arepreferably IR-reflective, substantially IR-reflective, or reflectinfrared light sufficient to redirect infrared light towards theinfrared transceiver above a predetermined threshold associated with thepresence of an object 600 a,600 b, etc. in the associated placementsubzone 100 a,100 b, etc.

In other embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is a metaltouch sensor comprising a high-frequency transistor and configured todetect the presence of an object placed in the associated placementsubzone 100 a,100 b, etc. based at least in part on a change inelectrical charge when the object contacts the object detector. In suchembodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. are preferably conductive,substantially conductive, or conduct current sufficient to close acircuit between the metal touch sensor and the object 600 a,600 b, etc.to indicate the presence of the object 600 a,600 b, etc. in theassociated placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc.

In other embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is amagnetic sensor, such as a magnetoresistive sensor, configured to detectthe presence of an object placed in the associated placement subzone 100a,100 b, etc. based at least in part on a change in external magneticfield in close proximity to the magnetic sensor. In such embodiments,the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. are preferably magnetic, substantiallymagnetic, or modify a magnetic field surrounding the magnetoresistivesensor beyond a predetermined threshold associated with the presence ofthe object 600 a,600 b, etc. in the associated placement subzone 100a,100 b, etc.

In other embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is apressure sensor configured to detect the presence of an object placed inthe associated placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. based at least inpart on a change (e.g., an increase or a decrease) in mass (or weight)of the object(s) already placed in the associated placement subzone 100a,100 b, etc., if any. In such embodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b,etc. preferably have a mass sufficient to trigger a change in theelectrical properties of the pressure sensor beyond a threshold changelevel associated with the presence of the object 600 a,600 b, etc. inthe associated placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc.

In some embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is aphototransistor configured to detect the presence of an object placed inthe associated placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. based at least inpart on a change in the level of light entering the lens portion of thephototransistor when the object is placed in the associated placementsubzone 100 a,100 b, etc. In such embodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b,etc. are preferably opaque, substantially opaque, or preventtransmission of light through the object 600 a,600 b, etc. sufficient toreduce the amount of light reaching the phototransistor below apredetermined threshold level of light associated with the presence ofan object 600 a,600 b, etc. in the associated placement subzone 100a,100 b, etc.

In some embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. is an RFIDreader, such as a passive RFID-enabled proximity sensor, configured todetect the presence of an object placed in the associated placementsubzone 100 a,100 b, etc. based at least in part on a change in theradio field (e.g., in the UHF frequency's transmission coefficient) whenthe object is placed in the associated placement subzone 100 a,100 b,etc. In such embodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. need not beradio frequency tags, but are preferably radio-opaque, substantiallyradio-opaque, or modify a radio field near the RFID reader beyond apredetermined threshold change level associated with the presence of theobject 600 a,600 b, etc. in the associated placement subzone 100 a,100b, etc.

In some embodiments, the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc. comprises anytwo or more of: a photodiode, an infrared avoidance sensor, a metaltouch sensor, a magnetoresistive sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressuresensor, a phototransistor, and an RFID reader. In such embodiments, theuse of multiple object detector types reduces potentialmisidentification events by the object detector 110 a,110 b, etc., andimproves performance of the device 10 over a wider range of environments(e.g., low and high ambient light, low and high ambient radio field, lowand high magnetic field, etc.).

In some embodiments, a code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. is associated witheach placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. The code reader 120 a,120 b,etc. is configured to identify which of a plurality of objects is placedin each placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. For example, a first codereader 120 a is associated with the first placement subzone 100 a and isconfigured to identify the first object 600 a placed within the firstplacement subzone 100 a.

In some embodiments, the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. is an RFIDreceiver and is configured to receive an RFID signal associated with theobjects 600 a,600 b, etc. placed in the placement zone 100. In suchembodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. preferably include an RFIDtag for transmitting a unique RFID signal to the controller 130 via theRFID receiver.

In other embodiments, the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. is a codescanner (e.g., an image capture device or a laser) configured to detecta visible code associated with the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. placed inthe placement zone 100. In such embodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b,etc. preferably include a bar code or a QR code or similar opticallyscannable code that encodes a unique identifier associated with eachobject 600 a,600 b, etc.

In other embodiments, the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. is a Bluetoothreceiver configured to receive a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal. Insuch embodiments, the objects 600 a,600 b, etc. preferably include a BLEsignal generator configured to transmit a BLE signal that includesinformation corresponding to a unique identifier associated with theobject 600 a,600 b, etc.

In still other embodiments, the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. is a nearfield communication (NFC) device configured to generate a radiofrequencyfield (e.g., at 13.56 MHz). In such embodiments, the objects 600 a,600b, etc. preferably include an NFC tag (e.g., an NFC Forum Tag)configured to modulate the RF field load generated by the NFC device.

In other embodiments, the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. is an infraredradiation generator and sensor. In still other embodiments, the codereader 120 a,120 b, etc. is a low-power sub-1 GHz transceiver (e.g.,CC1101 by Texas Instruments).

In some embodiments, the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. comprises any twoor more of: an RFID receiver, a code scanner, a Bluetooth receiver, anNFC device, and an infrared generator and sensor. In such embodiments,the use of multiple code reader types reduces potentialmisidentification events by the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc.

In some embodiments, the function of detecting the presence of theobject 600 a,600 b, etc. and identifying the specific object 600 a,600b, etc. placed in a placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. is performed bya single sensor in each placement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. For example,in some embodiments, a code scanner such as an image capture device or alaser may serve as both an object detector 110 a and a code reader 120 ain a first placement subzone 100 a. In some such embodiments, thecontroller 130 includes instructions configured to cause the combinationobject detector 110 a/code reader 120 a to periodically (e.g., 10 timesper second, 9 times per second, 8 times per second, 7 times per second,6 times per second, 5 times per second, 4 times per second, 3 times persecond, twice per second, once per second, once every two seconds, etc.)emit a signal to read an optically scannable code. If no opticallyscannable code is observed by the combination object detector 110 a/codereader 120 a, then the controller may cause the first indicator 200 a tonot illuminate. If an optically scannable code is observed by thecombination object detector 110 a/code reader 120 a, then the controller130 may cause the first indicator 200 a to illuminate indicating thepresence of an object 600 a placed within the first placement subzone100 a. If the scanned code corresponds to a correct object placed in thefirst placement subzone 100 a (e.g., an object 600 a that “matches” asecond object 600 b placed in the second placement subzone 100 b), thecontroller 130 may cause the feedback indicator 300 to illuminate toindicate a correct match.

The first indicator 200 a is configured to provide the user informationwhen a first object 600 a is placed in the first placement subzone 100a. The first indicator 200 a is in electronic communication with theobject detector 110 a associated with the first placement subzone 100 a,and/or with the code reader 120 a associated with the first placementsubzone 100 a, for example via a controller 130, which may in turn be inelectronic communication with a memory (not shown) configured to storeinstructions to interpret changes in input signals received from theobject reader 110 a associated with the first placement subzone 100 a,and input signals received from the code reader 120 a associated withthe first placement subzone 100 a. In some embodiments, the firstindicator 200 a is one or more LED lights (e.g., one, two, or three RGBLED lights) that display a predetermined color of light depending onwhich first object 600 a is placed in the first placement subzone 100 a(i.e., depending on the input signal received from the code reader 120 aassociated with the first placement subzone 100 a).

The second indicator 200 b is configured to provide the user informationwhen a second object 600 b is placed in the second placement subzone 100b. The second indicator 200 b is in electronic communication with theobject detector 110 b associated with the first placement subzone 100 a,and/or with the code reader 120 b associated with the second placementsubzone 100 b, for example via a controller 130, which may in turn be inelectronic communication with a memory (not shown) configured to storeinstructions to interpret changes in input signals received from theobject detector 110 a associated with the first placement subzone 100 a,and input signals received from the code reader 120 a associated withthe first placement subzone 100 a. In some embodiments, the secondindicator 200 b is one or more LED lights (e.g., one, two, or three RGBLED lights) that display a predetermined color of light depending onwhich second object 600 b is placed in the second placement subzone 100b (i.e., depending on the input signal received from the code reader 120b associated with the second placement subzone 100 b).

The controller 130 is in electronic communication with the code reader120 a,120 b, etc. associated with each placement subzone 100 a,100 b,etc., with the indicator 200 a,200 b, etc. associated with eachplacement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc., with the feedback indicator 300,and with the memory. In some embodiments, the controller 130 is amicroprocessor.

The memory (not shown) may store a color indicator value associated witheach potential scannable code associated with the objects 600 a,600 b,etc. When the first object 600 a is placed in the first placementsubzone 100 a, the code reader 120 a associated with the first placementzone 100 a detects the scannable code associated with the first object600 a. The controller 130 then causes the first indicator 200 a toindicate feedback to the user by producing the color of light throughthe first indicator 200 a correlating to the color indicator valuestored in the memory associated with the scannable code of the firstobject 600 a. When the second object 600 b is placed in the secondplacement subzone 100 b, the code reader 120 b associated with thesecond placement zone 100 b detects the scannable code associated withthe second object 600 b. The controller 130 then causes the secondindicator 200 b to indicate feedback to the user by producing the colorof light in the second indicator 200 b correlating to the colorindicator value stored in the memory associated with the scannable codeof the second object 600 b.

In some embodiments, the controller 130 and the memory are containedwithin a single microcontroller or microprocessor. in some embodiments,the microcontroller is an Arduino type processor.

The feedback indicator 300 provides feedback to the user based on thecombination of objects 600 a,600 b, etc. placed in the placement zone100. The feedback indicator 300 is in electronic communication with thecontroller 130. The memory may store a feedback indicator valueassociated with any given permutation or combination of objects 600a,600 b, etc. For example, in embodiments where the relative orientationof objects 600 a,600 b, etc. to each other within the placement zone 100matters, the memory may store a feedback indicator of “FALSE” for allcombinations of objects 600 a,600 b, etc. except for the specificcombination of a first object 600 a placed in the first placementsubzone 100 a, the second object 600 b placed in the second placementsubzone 100 b, etc., that provides a correct or true combination, whichmay be stored in the memory with a feedback indicator value of “TRUE.”When the correct combination or permutation of objects 600 a,600 b, etc.is placed in the placement zone 100, the controller causes the feedbackindicator 300 to provide “TRUE” feedback (e.g., a green light or anaudible signal) to the user based on the “TRUE” feedback indicator valuestored in the memory corresponding to the combination of permutation ofobjects 600 a,600 b, etc. placed in the placement zone 100 by the user.

In some embodiments, the feedback indicator 300 comprises one or moreLED lights (e.g., one or more RGB LED lights).

The device 10 may further include a power supply (not shown), such as abattery or an AC/DC converter for providing power to the device 10(e.g., to the controller 130).

Each object 600 a,600 b, etc. includes a scannable code configured to bescanned by the code reader 120 a,120 b, etc. associated with eachplacement subzone 100 a,100 b, etc. In some embodiments, the scannablecode is an RFID signal. In other embodiments, the scannable code is abar code. In other embodiments, the scannable code is a QR code. Inother embodiments, the scannable code is a Bluetooth Low Energy signal.In other embodiments, the scannable code is a near field communicationsignal.

In some embodiments, the electronic toy 10 includes a housing 500 thatcontains the placement zone 100, the first indicator 200 a, the secondindicator 200 b, and the feedback indicator 300. In some embodiments,the housing 500 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of atabletop, such as a dining tabletop. In other embodiments, the housing500 comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of a rectangularprismatic container.

In use, the electronic toy 10 provides three kinds of feedback to theuser. First, it reacts to the presence of a first object 600 a, such asa puzzle piece, by displaying an indicator via first indicator 200 abased on which piece was placed on the placement zone 100 and in whichposition (e.g., 100 a or 100 b) it was placed. When a combination objectis properly assembled by placing all of its component objects in thecorrect position within the placement zone 100, the feedback indicator300 indicates to the user that the combination object (e.g., puzzle) isproperly assembled. When a piece is removed from the device, the pieceindicators and feedback indicator 300 cease to provide information tothe user (e.g., the LED lamps are turned off) to indicate that no objectis present and that the combination object (e.g., puzzle) is notproperly completed.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2, a successfully completedcombination object (a puzzle) is shown consisting of a first puzzlepiece 600 a placed in the placement zone 100, and a second puzzle piece600 b placed in the placement zone 100 to the right of the first puzzlepiece 600 a. The first puzzle piece 600 a includes a RFID chip thatgenerates an RFID signal received by the code reader associated with thefirst placement subzone. Based on the received RFID signal, thecontroller causes the first indicator 200 a to produce a greenillumination color via RGB LED lights. The second puzzle piece 600 bincludes a RFID chip that generates an RFID signal received by the codereader associated with the second placement subzone. Based on thereceived RFID signal, the controller causes the second indicator 200 bto produce a green illumination color via RGB LED lights. Because thecombination object includes a correct combination of a first object 600a and a second object 600 b, the controller also causes the feedbackindicator 300 to provide feedback to the user that the combinationobject has been properly constructed, in this example by producing agreen light via RGB LED lights.

In contrast, the combination object produced by the user in FIG. 3includes an incorrect combination of a first object 600 a and a secondobject 600 b. Based on the received RFID signal from the first object600 a, the controller causes the first indicator 200 a to produce agreen light via RGB LED lights, and the second indicator 200 b toproduce a purple light via RGB LED lights. Because the first object 600a and the second object 600 b do not complete a correct combinationobject, the controller does not cause the feedback indicator 300 toproduce a positive (“TRUE”) feedback signal.

EXAMPLES Example 1. RFID Readers as Code Scanners 120 a,120 b, Etc.

A device 10 consistent with the present disclosure and including RFIDreaders as the only code scanners readers 120 a,120 b, etc. wasconstructed. Identification of objects 600 a,600 b, etc. in theplacement subzones 100 a,100 b, etc. was observed at about a 50%accuracy level.

Example 2. Phototransistors as Object Detectors 110 a,110 b, Etc.

A device 10 consistent with the present disclosure and includingphototransistors as the only object detectors 110 a,110 b, etc. wasconstructed. Detection of the presence of objects 600 a,600 b, etc. inthe placement subzones 100 a,100 b, etc. was observed at a very lowlevel. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it isbelieved that light emitted by the indicators 200 a,200 b, etc. and byambient light transmitted through the translucent lid of the housing 500impaired the sensitivity of the phototransistors beyond reliable levels.

Example 3. Combination of Photoresistors and RFID Readers

A device 10 consistent with the present disclosure and includinglow-voltage RFID readers (ID-12LA, ID-innovations, Canning vale, W.A.,Australia) as the code readers 120 a,120 b, etc., and 3 mm CdSphotoresistors (Part No. KLS6-3537, Ningbo KLS Electronic Co., NingboZhejiang, China) as the object detectors 110 a,110 b, etc. wasconstructed. RGB LED lamps were used as the indicators 200 a,200 b, etc.and the feedback indicator 300. The controller 130 (Arduino) wasconfigured to (1) receive input signals from the RFID readers toidentify the cards placed in the placement zones 100 a,100 b, etc., and(2) illuminate the RGB LED feedback indicator 300 green if the inputsignals from the RFID readers indicate a correct match, and if the inputsignals from the photoresistor object detectors 110,110 b, etc. indicatethat cards are present in the placement subzones 100 a,100 b, etc. Thecontroller 130 was also configured to receive input signals from thephotoresistor object detectors 110 a,110 b, etc. to turn off the RGB LEDfeedback indicator 300 when a specific amount of time had passed afterthe input signals from the RFID code readers 120 a,120 b, etc. andphotoresistor object detectors 110 a,110 b, etc. indicate a correctmatch of the cards placed in the placement subzones 100 a,100 b, etc.

1. An electronic toy comprising: a placement zone (100) configured toreceive at least a first object (600 a) and a second object (600 b); afirst indicator (200 a) configured to indicate a first identityassociated with the first object; a second indicator (200 b) configuredto indicate a second identity associated with the second object; and afeedback indicator (300) configured to indicate a result fromassociating the first object and the second object with the placementzone.
 2. The electronic toy of claim 1, wherein the placement zonecomprises an RFID reader and wherein each of the first object and thesecond object includes a unique RFID tag.
 3. The electronic toy of claim1, wherein the placement zone comprises an image capture device andwherein each of the first object and the second object includes a uniquescannable code.
 4. The electronic toy of claim 1, wherein the placementzone comprises a Bluetooth receiver and wherein each of the first objectand the second object includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon. 5.The electronic toy of claim 1, wherein the first indicator comprises anLED light.
 6. The electronic toy of claim 1, wherein the secondindicator comprises an LED light.
 7. The electronic toy of claim 1,wherein the feedback indicator comprises an LED light.
 8. The electronictoy of claim 1, wherein the first object and the second object are eachpuzzle pieces.
 9. The electronic toy of claim 8, wherein the puzzlepieces interlock.
 10. An electronic toy comprising: a first placementzone (100 a) configured to receive at least a first object (600 a), thefirst placement zone (100 a) comprising: a first object detector (110 a)configured to detect the presence of the first object (600 a), and afirst code reader (120 a) configured to detect a unique identifierassociated with the first object (600 a); a second placement zone (100b) configured to receive at least a second object (600 b), the secondplacement zone (100 b) comprising: a second object detector (110 b)configured to detect the presence of the second object (600 b), and asecond code reader (120 b) configured to detect a unique identifierassociated with the second object (600 b); a controller (130)operatively connected to the first object detector, the first codereader, the second object detector, and the second code reader, andconfigured to: identify the first object (100 a) based at least on theunique identifier associated with the first object, and identify thesecond object (100 b) based at least on the unique identifier associatedwith the second object; a first indicator (200 a) in operativecommunication with the controller and configured to indicate a firstidentity associated with the first object; a second indicator (200 b) inoperative communication with the controller and configured to indicate asecond identity associated with the second object; and a feedbackindicator (300) in operative communication with the controller andconfigured to indicate a result based at least on the identity of thefirst object and the identity of the second object.
 11. The electronictoy of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to cause thefeedback indicator to stop indicating the result after a predeterminedlength of time has passed after the controller begins indicating theresult.
 12. The electronic toy of claim 10, wherein the first objectdetector and the second object detector are each photoresistors.
 13. Theelectronic toy of claim 10, wherein the first code reader and the secondcode reader are each low-voltage RFID readers.